Bezalel Smotrich is Israel's finance minister and also lives in a West Bank settlement. Settlements are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this
Smotrich leads the National Religious Party–Religious Zionism which has 14 seats in the Knesset (Israeli parliament) In a recording published in January 2023 Smotrich reportedly described himself as a "fascist homophobe"
Smotrich was quoted as saying by Israeli news outlet Haaretz,
Quote
"I'm a fascist homophobe but I'm a man of my word" "I won't stone gays and you won't feed me shrimp"
In March 2023 Smotrich was quoted as saying by Israeli news outlet Haaretz delivered a speech that sparked outrage, saying: 1. There is no such thing as a Palestinian nation 2. There is no Palestinian history 3. There is no Palestinian language
The remark came weeks after he apologised for saying the Palestinian town of Hawara in the West Bank should be "erased"
Regarding Gaza, in April 2024 Smotrich said three Gaza cities would be under "total annihilation" "There are no half measures — Rafah, Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat — total annihilation" Smotrich said, according to Haaretz
Last month, Smotrich said by the end of 2025 Gaza's population would be "concentrated" in a narrow strip of land he described as a "humanitarian zone" with the remainder of the enclave "totally destroyed" according to the Times of Israel
Quote
"They will be totally despairing, understanding that there is no hope and nothing to look for in Gaza and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places"
